While the king snake, Lampropeltis getulus, could be mistaken for a poisonous snake, it is actually quite harmless to humans and larger mammals. Small animals are another story … they are the main prey. The king snake is very hunter, locating prey by its scent, trapping and constraining its victim to death.
Appearance of the King Serpent
Bright and black, most kingsnakes carry white or yellow bands that look like links in a chain along the back and sides. The color and size of the band vary by territory, with solid black king snakes found in the north-central parts of the United States and mottled varieties found along the Gulf Coast. Mature king snakes average 3 to 4 feet long, although some individuals can grow up to 6 feet long. The average kingssnake weighs just over 3 pounds when fully developed.
Nicknames of the King Serpent
Because they are so widespread, king snakes boast of having many regional nicknames. If you hear someone refer to a wampum snake, thunder snake, horse runner, oak leaf rattlesnake, bastard horn snake, chain snake, cow sucker, or master snake, they are probably referring to a king snake.
Speaking of names, are you thinking of giving one to a snake when you have one as a pet? Look no further!
King snake diet
As carnivores, king snakes consume various prey. Among them are small rodents, birds, eggs and lizards. They also eat other snakes, including venomous creatures. Since they are naturally immune to venom, being bitten by a rattlesnake or a similar viper is not a problem. Sometimes king snakes devour other king snakes. If kept as pets, king snakes feed on rats and mice or chickens. If the food is large enough, king snakes can only eat once or twice a week.
By ondreicka
King Snake Range
Different species of king snake live throughout North America. Common in the southeast, eastern kingsnakes extend from southern New Jersey to northern Florida, with Appalachians as their western boundary. The California Mountain King Snake is found throughout the West Coast, while the Prairie King King Snake is found in the Midwest. Although it is a terrestrial species, kingsnakes usually live in the vicinity of wetlands, ponds and swamps. That’s because of their food preference for turtle eggs and snakes that live in the water.
Breeding and reproduction
King snakes reach sexual maturity in their third year. Mating takes place in spring, and the female lays a clutch of up to 13 eggs in mid-summer. Hatchlings emerge in late summer or early fall, ranging in length from 4 to 12 inches. They are alone from the beginning.
